Liverpool manager Arne Slot has hinted that Mohamed Salah could return to the first-team picture—though only if the club’s star forward takes responsibility for his recent behavior and makes an effort to mend relationships within the squad. The remarks come amid ongoing fallout between Salah and the manager, following an outburst that led to the Egyptian being sidelined from the team.

The tension arrives at a critical moment for Liverpool, who secured a crucial late win at the San Siro against Inter Milan. With Salah absent, midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai stepped up, converting an 88th-minute penalty that earned Liverpool a valuable victory and propelled them into the top eight of the competition. Slot, speaking to Clarence Seedorf on the Amazon Prime broadcast after the match, praised his team’s resilience throughout a demanding run of fixtures, but the conversation inevitably turned to the situation with Salah.

Seedorf suggested that conflicts like this can happen in football and that players sometimes make mistakes. Slot agreed, but he also emphasized that admission of wrongdoing is essential if progress is to be made. He posed two questions that appeared directed at Salah: first, whether the player believes he has made a mistake; and second, who should take the first step toward reconciliation—the manager or the player? Slot declined to provide a full answer to either point, leaving his comments open to interpretation.

He later tried to temper his initial statement by stressing the focus should remain on the players currently available. Slot pointed to Liverpool’s long history of big performances in Europe and said the club’s success in Milan was a testament to its mentality. Despite a congested schedule—four games in ten days—and a limited squad of just thirteen experienced outfielders, Liverpool endured and defended strongly against an impressive Inter side. Slot highlighted how well his players responded after a frustrating late equalizer in their previous match against Leeds. “We hardly gave away a chance,” he said, praising the team’s collective effort.

Still, Salah was the unavoidable talking point after the match. Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has publicly confirmed that he intends to speak to his long-time teammate about the controversy, though he made clear that any discussion would remain private. Van Dijk acknowledged that Salah has been expressing his feelings openly over the past several days, and he hinted that the club’s leadership—alongside himself—has a responsibility to address the issue.

However, Van Dijk also questioned whether he is the right person to demand an apology from Salah, stressing that such a decision lies with the player himself. He noted that Salah will soon depart to compete in Africa—likely referring to the upcoming international commitments with Egypt—and that the situation needs to be handled carefully. The defender emphasized their long friendship and history of shared highs and lows at Liverpool, making it clear that personal loyalty remains strong despite the recent turmoil.

Both Slot and Van Dijk appear eager to prevent further media scrutiny from escalating the situation. The captain urged the club and team to “brace ourselves and be against the outside noise,” a comment that suggests the dressing room is determined to remain united despite the public fallout. Their message aligns with the club’s stance of maintaining internal discipline while avoiding unnecessary leaks or dramatic public confrontations.

Although the specifics of Salah’s outburst were not detailed in Slot’s interview, the conflict has dominated recent coverage surrounding Liverpool. Some reports suggest Salah has voiced sharp criticism of Slot’s management style and tactical decisions, further creating a divide at a time when the team needs stability. The winger’s absence has raised questions about whether this chapter indicates the beginning of an irreversible breakdown in his relationship with the club—or whether the issue can be resolved quickly through mutual dialogue.

Salah, one of Liverpool’s greatest modern players and a beloved figure among supporters worldwide, has rarely found himself involved in such controversy during his years at Anfield. His extraordinary goal-scoring record and influence have cemented his legacy in the club’s history books. Any suggestion that his tenure could end under bitter circumstances is unsettling for fans, especially with the January transfer window looming.

Slot’s guarded optimism suggests that Liverpool remain open to repairing the situation, but only under certain conditions. His insistence that Salah should recognize his role in the conflict highlights where the manager believes the responsibility lies. Whether Salah is prepared to take that step remains unclear. The situation is further complicated by Salah’s looming African fixtures—timing that delays any immediate peace talks and prolongs the uncertainty.

For now, Liverpool are focused on their success in Milan and the positive signs emerging from the squad—even under strain. Slot lauded the effort and adaptability of his players, particularly those stepping up in Salah’s absence. The win not only boosts their tournament hopes but also strengthens Slot’s position during a very public clash with his star man.

Still, all eyes remain on Salah. Supporters, teammates, and pundits alike are now waiting to see whether he acknowledges a mistake and reaches out, or whether the rift intensifies. What happens next could significantly shape Liverpool’s season—and perhaps Salah’s entire chapter at the club.